January was once a relaxing month with little GAA outdoor action but that’s not the case nowadays. The Dr McKenna Cup lights up the dark days and nights of the month along with the various other competitions that spill over into the month. Because of that there is plenty to choose from when selecting our Monthly Merit Award winner and last month was no exception.

Tyrone’s newcomer Padráig McNulty produced great displays; Martin Reilly played a huge role in Cavan’s run; Darren Hughes was outstanding for Monaghan while Fermanagh’s Sean Quigley gave opposing defences a torrid time.

Roslea attacker Quigley (22) was top-scorer in the McKenna Cup with 3-10 and he added seven points in Fermanagh’s NFL Round One defeat of Louth, also in January. As well, he contributed handsomely to many of the other scores from his colleagues during and, after much consideration, Sean Quigley also out-pointed his opponents to get the prestigious Merit Award for the month.

“That’s a surprise for me and a very pleasant one,” enthused Sean when notified of the honour. “I was not expecting such an award but, of course, I’m delighted to receive it. January was a great month for Fermanagh with many of the players in great form.”

Sean with the Belleek Living Vase in the Roslea ClubRooms. Pic: Peadar McMahon

On left Sean with Patsy Dolan, Fermanagh Chairman; Colin Rooney, Club Secretary; Seamus McMahon, Club Chairman; John Martin; Adrian O’Donnell, Senior Team Joint Manager; Pauric McGurn, County PROAbove with Club officialsPic: Peadar McMahon

Sean is the first Fermanagh player to win the award since his brother Seamus was the recipient for January 2012 and the Shamrock’s man now adds the UGAAWA Merit Award to his four Fermanagh SFC and three SFL medals he has collected plus “a few underage medals, as well.”

Above left is Sean with family members - brother Seamus, a former monthly winner with UGAAWA; Aoife Scott, girlfriend; Joanne, sister; Con Quigley, his father.

Above Sean pictured with part of his award prizes.Pics: Peadar McMahon

The winner receives an engraved Belleek Living Vase, training gear from O’Neill’s Sports, specially designed silver cuff links from Carlingford Design House and two tickets for the Ulster GAA Writers’ 28th annual banquet, plus overnight accommodation, at the Gt Northern Hotel Bundoran, in November. The presentation was made in the Roslea Shamrocks’ clubrooms on February 16.